Las Vegas NowCash for Clunkers Program Underway

Cash for Clunkers Program Underway

The government's Cash for Clunkers program which will give car buyers cash to trade in their older cars is now underway.

It's an effort to get more drivers into new fuel-efficient vehicles. The discount for some will be as high as $4,500 off the purchase off a new vehicle.

"Right now, yes that is my biggest incentive," said Lendell McGee who has been waiting for the Cash for Clunkers program to start. He is in the market for a new new car and says the only reason he is looking is because of the program.

More information on the Cars for Clunkers Program

The program is aimed at getting older gas guzzling and smog causing vehicles off the road by luring owners to more fuel efficient cars with big savings.

"In this economy they didn't really see any way out and now they get a $4,500 lift to get rid of that vehicle," said Gary Ackerman, Gaudin Ford.

There are some rules in order to qualify for the program. You can only trade in a car that was made in the past 25 years and have a combined fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less. The program covers transactions until November 1, 2009 as long as funds are available.